The Cleveland Indians failed to make the playoffs last season after making it as a wildcard team in 2013. However, according to Paul Hoynes, the Indians will be just fine going into next season and will be a contender again. He sees the Chicago White Sox as needing more impactful pitching to match their power which would likely be built around Avisail Garcia and Jose Abreu. The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals will be hurt by free agency losses and the Minnesota Twins are still trying to find the right pieces after four seasons of at least 92 losses and now a potential new manager in Paul Molitor. Hoynes also believes that once other teams have made their moves in free agency the Indians will set their eyes onMichael Morse, who had a great postseason with the San Francsico Giants, and Ryan Ludwick.

Other News and Notes

The Philadelphia Phillies and A.J. Burnett have both declined his option for 2015. The option was worth $15MM. He has until later on Monday to exercise his player option which is worth $12.75MM.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Chicago White Sox will have a lot of interest in former Kansas City Royal infielder, Nori Aoki. Aoki hit .285 with 1 HR and 43 RBI this past season.

Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez is the potential prime candidate to be the next manager.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are open to trading catcher Miguel Montero. The team is currently listening to offers. Montero hit .243 with 13 HR and 72 RBI.

According to George A. King III of the New York Post, the New York Yankees still have interest in Chase Headley whether Alex Rodriguez comes back to the club or not.

Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reports that the Baltimore Orioles are working on a four year deal for outfielder Nick Markakis.

The Miami Marlins hope to sign Giancarlo Stanton to a long-term extension before the Winter Meetings begin.

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that top Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada will have a showcase of his talents in Guatemala. All 30 teams will have a representative attend.

User Comments

John M

November 4, 2014 - 9:04 AM EST

Quoting Denny Green, "They are who we thought they were!" As are the Indians of 2015. With Swisher and Bourn, they are locked in. Likely Murphy as well. Look for them to hope for rebounds by the aforementioned and Kipnis, pick up a reliever, ride the young staff and hope for the best. As much as I'd like to see Alex Rios (or Nick Markakis), there's too many teams out there looking for those kind of guys that will pay them big buckage that the Tribe just can't pay. I'm thinking Swisher bounces back to respectabity to the tune of .250/17/70, at which point I would do cartwheels (and look pathetic while doing them).

Joseph

November 4, 2014 - 3:55 AM EST

Morse or Ludwick?...You've got to be kidding! This is exactly why this team cannot improve. Year after year they bring in marginal players who will have no significant impact to making this a better team. We need a middle of the hitter...period. And we don't need any more cheap relievers or depth. We desperately need a right handed power bat. It is time for Dolan and Antonetti to finally step up and make a splash...like the Orioles and Tigers do,year after year. And please...lets get rid of Giambi,Swisher,Murphy and Chisenhall...these guys can't hit.

C L Who

November 4, 2014 - 12:25 AM EST

If the Tribe signs either of these often injured aging retreads, they will be very, very, sorry.

Tony

November 3, 2014 - 12:46 PM EST

I don't see Morse happening at all. Not a good fit defensively and will want a multi-year deal. Also I have zero interest in Ludwick unless he is a minor league signing to a non-roster and non-guaranteed deal. If he gets an NRI deal, I am fine with that.

pathofkindness

November 3, 2014 - 12:14 PM EST

I have a real hard time seeing how Morse is a fit for this team (i.e. for a team that needs to improve its defense--Daingean is right, the guy cannot field at all). And Ludwick?!?!?! You've got to be kidding me. Maybe as a non-roster invitee, but that's about it.

Brian Rosen

November 3, 2014 - 12:09 PM EST

This is a similar take to other comments but with Morse and Ludwick as possibilities which the latter does absolutely nothing for me. The issue with Morse is he is worthless in the field (as stated by Daingean) and we are stuck with Swisher as a DH. They should tell Swisher to prepare to play RF and DH and you could use Swisher as RF against RHP with Morse DH and Murphy against RHP with Swisher DH. Is this a realistic scenario?

Daingean

November 3, 2014 - 12:00 PM EST

"how many times do we need to sign ryan ludwick to win a prize? "

The answer is "how many times have the Indians acquired Russell Branyan?" - 5 times on Branyan according to Baseball Reference (including August 29th of this year - where was I when we signed him then?).

Matthew

November 3, 2014 - 11:01 AM EST

Matt--

2 more and we get a free tank of gas.

Markn95

November 3, 2014 - 10:31 AM EST

Pass on Ludwick. He's a little long in the tooth, even for a platoon role. He hit 26 HR's in 2012, but has been below 10 each of the last two years (2013 was an injury plagued year for him). His OPS+ in 13 and 14 was 71 and 93, respectively. He's on the downhill.

Morse would be great. I just wonder how much money and years he'd be looking for. I know he was on the market for a long time last offseason so maybe he'll be a little more realistic this time around.

matt underwood

November 3, 2014 - 10:06 AM EST

how many times do we need to sign ryan ludwick to win a prize?

Homer

November 3, 2014 - 7:54 AM EST

Would Morse or Ludwick be platoon partners with Murphy? Id prefer Morse's bat, but Id rather see them go after Alex Rios.

There is some speculation the Tribe has interest in RH hitting Jung Ho Kang. Kang has a long swing and would need posted by his KBO club. Kang plays SS, but has the arm for RF / 3b. However, there is some question if he will translate to MLB.

Daingean

November 3, 2014 - 7:40 AM EST

I like Morse's bat....but wonder why he even has a glove in his bag (the word butcher is the only way I would describe his defense).....If they sign him, I'd expect Swisher to man RF on a daily basis and I'm not sure his knees will hold up.

Available IBI Books

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